Mexico and South Korea are set for a crucial Group A showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both nations aiming to build on winning starts and take a major step toward the knockout stages.
Mexico opened their campaign with a historic 2-0 victory over South Africa, securing their first-ever World Cup opening-match win thanks to goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. Javier Aguirre’s side now sit top of Group A and will look to continue an impressive run of form that has seen them record seven wins and two draws in their last nine matches.
South Korea also began the tournament with a comeback victory, defeating the Czech Republic 2-1. After falling behind, Hwang In-Beom inspired the turnaround by scoring the equaliser before assisting Oh Hyeon-Gyu’s winning goal, giving Hong Myung-Bo’s side a dream start to their World Cup campaign.
With both teams level on three points, Friday’s encounter at Estadio Guadalajara could prove decisive in determining who takes control of Group A and moves closer to qualification for the knockout rounds.
Team News
Mexico will be without Lokmotiv Moscow centre-back Cesar Montes on Friday after he was sent off against South Africa, so versatile captain Edson Alvarez could partner Johan Vasquez in the co-hosts’ defensive line.
Elsewhere, left-winger Julian Quinones scored the opener last time out, but he ‘asked to be substituted’ and was ‘limping’ late on in the game according to manager Aguirre.
As for South Korea, they could be missing attacking midfielder Bae Jun-Ho of Stoke City, who only recently returned to training after recovering from an ankle issue.
Similarly, centre-back Kim Tae-Hyeon has been participating in team training after suffering an ankle injury of his own, but he is unlikely to make the XI on Friday, so Lee Gi-Hyuk looks set to continue on the left of a defensive trio alongside Kim Min-Jae and Lee Han-Beom.
Possible Lineups
Mexico possible starting lineup:
Rangel; Reyes, Alvarez, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira; Alvarado, Gutierrez, Fidalgo, Quinones; Jimenez
South Korea possible starting lineup:
S Kim; H Lee, M Kim, G Lee; Seol, Hwang, Paik, T Lee; K Lee, J Lee; Son
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 02:00 (WAT) |
Match predictions
Softfootball predicts Mexico 1-1 South Korea
After winning their opener against South Africa, Mexico will be hoping to deliver another strong performance on home soil, but they face much tougher opposition this time around.
